May

12 2016

Workshop – “Building BRIDGE: A Vision of an Inclusive Community”

10:45AM - 12:00PM  

This Federation event will be held at Congregation Knesset Israel 16 Colt Road
Pittsfield, MA 01201

Contact Nancy Maurice Rogers
413-442-4360 x 15
jfb.programs@verizon.net
http://www.jewishberkshires.org

The Jewish Federation of the Berkshires Connecting with Community presents “Building BRIDGE: A Vision of
an Inclusive Community,” an introduction to Multicultural BRIDGE, a Pittsfield-based group that convenes groups for training related to issues of diversity and cultural competence.

The workshop will explore BRIDGE’s founding in response to urgent needs in the Berkshires community, and its
vision for an inclusive community. Presenters will offer a brief overview of BRIDGE’s programs, and explain its
approach to fighting racism and promoting multicultural.

Presenting will be Gwendolyn VanSant, CEO and founding director of Multicultural BRIDGE since 2007.  Currently,
VanSant serves as an appointed state official, as the chair of the Berkshire County Commission on the Status of Women.  VanSant also works with MCLA and Simon’s Rock to promote multiculturalism and equality in education. Also presenting will be Rev. Natalie Shiras, recently retired from Church on the Hill (United Church of Christ) in Lenox and currently development coordinator for Multicultural.

This free program is part of the Federation’s Connecting With Community Series and will be followed by a kosher hot lunch. Lunch is a $2 suggested donation for adults over 60 years of age or $7 for all others. Advance reservations are required for lunch and can be made by calling (413) 442-2200 before 9 a.m. on the day of the program.